The History of Video Poker

Video poker has been hugely popular in both brick and mortar casinos as well as online casinos ever since its inception. The game has quite an interesting history. It is based on five card draw poker. In casinos, video poker is played on a computerized console that is about the same size as the slot machines in these establishments. Online video poker is played on personal computer around the world via downloadable casino software or in a computer browser using flash technology.

The Early Years

Video poker emerged in a rather primitive form back in the 1970s. A company called Dale Electronics came out with the Poker-Matic video poker machine, and it was soon in Las Vegas casinos. However, the game itself was not much of a hit with players. It was not until a machine called Draw Poker hit the casino scene in 1979. A company called Sircoma, now known as IGT, introduced this new phenomenon that caught on quickly. Many feel that this machine set the stage for video poker as we know it today. Draw Poker was very popular among poker aficionados.

Moving Forward

During the 1990s, Microgaming came out with online video poker machines, and the race was on! People discovered how much fun it was to be able to play video poker any time of the day or night in the comfort of their own homes or offices. Gamers were thrilled when they noticed that there was a much better variety of games to be had online. They could switch games at will with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Video Poker’s Popularity

People have been drawn to online video poker not only because of the convenience of playing it, but also for the lack of intimidation they feel when sitting in front of a computer screen and playing video poker virtually. They felt much more comfortable playing and learning to play poker online. It’s a bad feeling to be seated at a table full of skilled and confident poker players when you are a beginner at the game. Online video poker gives novices the confidence they need in order to be able to learn the strategy needed to be a successful poker player.

A Solid Place in History

This is a fruitful period in the history of video poker. More people have high speed internet than ever before, which means more people around the world are discovering video poker. The progressive jackpots attached to many of the video poker games are an added incentive. Video poker is here to stay!